From time limit to time limit: Those who are not deterred by conditions can still find a PhD position in natural sciences relatively easily.
Picture: Picture Union/dpa
Many students hope to stay in university after graduation to pursue their careers. But it’s not easy-despite many obstacles, how to do this?
Johanna Kranz’s college career has been smooth sailing: after graduating from high school in 2008, she began to study biology, German and educational science. She has also served as a research assistant. She has started to become a teacher, but “I just want to learn and learn more,” said the 32-year-old. This is why, eight years after she started going to university, she decided not to teach and study for a PhD in biology pedagogy. In February, she received her Ph.D. and immediately obtained a postdoctoral position. Kranz is free from the stressful application process.
Although finding a scientific job at university is never easy. Statistics from the University President’s Conference show that: Despite this, more and more students decide to give it a try. In 2020, nearly 28,000 students have completed PhD degrees—an increase of nearly 3,000 from a decade ago. Although the number of professorships has increased at the same time, from less than 41,000 to more than 48,000, it is still far from enough for everyone. Most academic staff work from a fixed term to a fixed term.
